TC Encore Accuracy Report
 

Well, yesterday it wasn't too bad out so I did some shootin with my new Pro Hunter 7mm-08 barrel.

I worked up a few handloads for it, and here is how she did.



Load was: 140gr Nosler BT, over a max charge of IMR 4350, with Rem cases and WLR primers.

Shot #1 - this was first shot with handloads - previous zero was with 140gr Federal Fusions.

Shot #2 - Cranked 'er up a bit too far.

Shot #3 - Right about where I wanted it. Did some tweakin on scope

Shot #4 - Musta moved when I shot. Didn't go to where it was supposed to.

Shot 5-7 - Shot a group finally. As you can see, gun shoots very well .243" group.

One thing I noticed. My Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14x40 has a tendency not to move to desired location. Clicks are not 1/4", I'd say more like 1/2", not sure if this scope is going to stay on this rifle long. I think its time to upgrade to a Leupold once the funds allow.

Now once it quits snowing I have a few other loads worked up that I am going to try.

139gr Hornady SST
120gr Barnes TSX
140gr AccuBond
160gr AccuBond

RE: TC Encore Accuracy Report
 

I wish mine would have done that right out of the box. I picked up a standard wood and blue Encore in 7mm-08 last summer. Wouldn't get under 2" with any factory load and held at about 1.5" with my handloads.

Got an oversized hinge pin and a heavy duty spring and that fixed its wagon. Shoots about .5" now with my TSXBs off the bench! Way better than I can do on my own!

Nice group! Thats a real wallhanger! Its a sweet rifle too isn't it?

RE: TC Encore Accuracy Report
 

Nice. And the good part is that it's probably only gonna get sweeter as the barrel smooths up. Mine likes a good stiff charge of 4350 also in cooler weather with the 140 Accubonds. Keep tinkerin'.............

RE: TC Encore Accuracy Report
 

Yeah, I can't wait to get some more time in with this gun. One thing I might do is send the frame off and have the action job done on it to get a nice, sweet trigger. Right now I'm guessing the trigger is breaking around 5-6lbs but its a very crisp trigger.

I'll be sure to keep updating this as I play with more loads. After a few of the horror stories I heard about Encore's, I was kinda wondering if buying a barrel was such a bright idea.

RE: TC Encore Accuracy Report
 

I'm confused, is it a .243 or 7mm-08?

RE: TC Encore Accuracy Report
 

.243" is the size of the group. 7mm-08 is the caliber.

RE: TC Encore Accuracy Report
 

Oh, ha ha! You threw me off there. Nice shootin'

RE: TC Encore Accuracy Report
 

Nice! Is that with or without a trigger job...[:-]

RE: TC Encore Accuracy Report
 

Thats before the trigger job, can't wait to get the trigger job :D.

I think I see a 204 Ruger barrel in my future for the Encore........[8D]

RE: TC Encore Accuracy Report
 

Nice group. Where are you going to get the trigger done? I am looking at a 270 Pro-Hunter. I am going to check out where you got your barrel. Do you know how there stock is on Pro-Hunter barrels? Most outfits don't have many in stock. I guess I would be happy with a stock 24 inch barrel if need be. Keep up the reports. Are you going to be able to chrongraph any loads?

RE: TC Encore Accuracy Report
 

JamesB - I'm not sure how their stock of Pro Hunter barrels at eabco is, I do know that as of the 16th they aren't going to be shipping for a few days, they are moving to a bigger facility. I do know I ordered my barrel without knowing (I couldn't find anyone else on the net that had a 7mm-08 Pro Hunter barrel, and I had it within 5 days.)

I am hoping to buy a chronograph this summer when I start shooting more, until then I have no way to chrony any of my loads.

I was going to send my frame off to Eabco to have their action job done ($50). And I think that means a 2.5-3lb trigger when its all said an done with, can't remember for sure been a while since I looked.

RE: TC Encore Accuracy Report
 

When we get a good spell of weather I could buzz down with My chrongraph and we could check some loads out. Might even catch a Walleye:D. Most places I have checked have a few odds and ends for Pro-Hunter barrels. I might just get a heavy 26 inch 270 barrel. I would like to try the Pro-Hunter stock and forend. If you send in for the trigger job let me know how you like it.

RE: TC Encore Accuracy Report
 

Yeah, if this weather ever breaks that sounds like a plan. I might get my boat all cleaned up an ready to go today, maybe that will help warm things up.......

Once I get started with field work I might send my action in since I won't have time to play with it then. I'll keep ya updated!

RE: TC Encore Accuracy Report
 

Sounds Good.